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On the ability of virtual agents to decrease cognitive load: an experimental study

Author

Listed:
  • Florian Brachten

    (University of Duisburg-Essen)

  • Felix Brünker

    (University of Duisburg-Essen)

  • Nicholas R. J. Frick

    (University of Duisburg-Essen)

  • Björn Ross

    (University of Duisburg-Essen)

  • Stefan Stieglitz

    (University of Duisburg-Essen)

Abstract

When attempting to solve a problem, humans call upon cognitive resources. These resources are limited, and the degree of their utilisation is described as cognitive load. While the number of parameters to be taken into account and to be processed by modern-day knowledge workers increases, their cognitive resources do not. Research shows that too high a load can increase stress and failure rates and decrease the work satisfaction and performance of employees. It is thus in the interest of organisations to reduce the cognitive load of their employees and keep it at a moderate level. One way to achieve this may be the application of virtual assistants (VAs), software programs, that can be addressed via voice or text commands and respond to the users’ input. This study uses a laboratory experiment with N = 91 participants comparing two groups in their ability to solve a task. One group was able to make use of a VA while the other could not. Besides task performance, the cognitive load of the participants was measured. Results show that (a) cognitive load is negatively related to task performance, (b) the group using the VA performed better at the task and (c) the group using the VA had a lower cognitive load. These findings show that VAs are a viable way to support employees and can increase their performance. It adds to the growing field of IS research on VAs by expanding the field for the concept of cognitive load.

Suggested Citation

  • Florian Brachten & Felix Brünker & Nicholas R. J. Frick & Björn Ross & Stefan Stieglitz, 2020. "On the ability of virtual agents to decrease cognitive load: an experimental study," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 187-207, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infsem:v:18:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10257-020-00471-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10257-020-00471-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Brachten, Florian & Stieglitz, Stefan & Berger, Karen, 2020. "The power of bots: The benefits and pitfalls of automation in corporate communications," Communication Insights 9, Academic Society for Management & Communication – An initiative of the Günter Thiele Foundation, Leipzig.
    2. Gkinko, Lorentsa & Elbanna, Amany, 2023. "Designing trust: The formation of employees’ trust in conversational AI in the digital workplace," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    3. Milad Mirbabaie & Felix Brünker & Nicholas R. J. Möllmann Frick & Stefan Stieglitz, 2022. "The rise of artificial intelligence – understanding the AI identity threat at the workplace," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(1), pages 73-99, March.
    4. Milad Mirbabaie & Stefan Stieglitz & Nicholas R. J. Frick, 2021. "Hybrid intelligence in hospitals: towards a research agenda for collaboration," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(2), pages 365-387, June.

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